How to Have a Safe Holiday With Your Cat

The holidays can be a fun time for everyone, even the family cat. But if this is your first Christmas with your cat (or if you've just forgotten what the last one was like) here's what you need to do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Catnip toy
• Festive pet sweater and/or antlers (optional)

1. Secure your tree. Odds are your cat won't try climbing the Christmas tree, but if he does you'll want to take every precaution against him tipping it over. Standing the tree in a corner is one way to limit the hazards of a fall; providing a sturdy base with a heavy blanket wrapped around the stand is another.
2. Remove temptation. Don't hang ornaments where your cat can easily reach them. While especially true of younger kittens, even older cats may feel tempted by the occasional Christmas tree ornament.
3. Secure your cat before the Christmas party, especially if you haven't entertained since getting the newest family member. Too many people can overwhelm your cat, or too easily find him or her underfoot. For everyone's safety, consider keeping your cat in a bedroom or some other place, with his or her water and food dishes, and of course a litter box.
4. Go tinsel-free. Garland for your Christmas tree is fine, as long as it isn't coming apart. But don't hang those little foil icicles or tinsel; even if it seems safely out of reach, should it fall down and your cat ingests it, it's a trip to the vet.
5. Consider bows, not ribbons for your cat's safety. Just like tinsel, ribbon has a way of getting eaten. It doesn't digest well and will again lead to a trip to the vet for your cat.
6. Get the cat a present: a catnip toy or something similar. This will give your cat something else--and something safe--to play with while you unwrap gifts.

Tips & Warnings

• Candles and fur don't mix, so be mindful of where you place any open flame during the holidays.
• An occasional sip of milk (or unspiked eggnog) makes a safe treat for your cat, if they like it.
• If you know your pet is sociable and don't want to pen him or her up during the party, make sure your guests know there might be a cat underfoot. And make sure none of your guests are allergic to cats.
• Never, ever give your cat chocolate or alcohol. Just like dogs, chocolate can kill your cat, as will the alcohol in your spiked eggnog.